South-View Cemetery

Winifred Watts Hemphill currently serves as the President of South-View Cemetery Association. Founded in 1886, South-View is the oldest continually operating for-profit corporation in the southeast. Her great-grandfather, Albert Watts, who was born enslaved, was one of its six founders. Hemphill’s family has been involved in the management of the cemetery for its entire 132-year existence. The 100- acre cemetery is the final resting place of many Atlanta notables, including 22 people for whom Atlanta Public Schools are named. Steeped in history, the cemetery’s primary objective is to provide caring services for approximately 400 family burials and preneed purchases each year. A beautiful cremation garden is currently being constructed.

In 2004, Hemphill spearheaded the creation of the Historic South-View Preservation Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization. The Foundation seeks to preserve the art, history and environment of the original, non-perpetual care acres. Events sponsored by the Foundation increase visibility and descendant involvement, while sharing history with a wider community. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association and is a past officer of the Georgia Cemetery Association.

Hemphill is a graduate of Howard University and Howard University School of Law. She practiced law for 20+ years before moving into her current role. She is married to Dana A. Hemphill for nearly 30 years, and they have three adult children and a son-in-law.